The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

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The Fallacy of the Enneagram Personality

Skeptic • 47 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Psychology Belief systems Personal Development Cognitive Bias Skepticism
  1. The Enneagram of Personality is popular, but many scientists say it's not a real science. It's often based on mysticism and lacks solid proof.
  2. People find personal growth through the Enneagram, but it’s not a reliable personality test. Many just think it works because it feels right.
  3. The theories behind the Enneagram's nine types are often misunderstood. They are not based on childhood experiences, but might be related to inborn traits.

Drifters, Dreamers, Tourists, Growers

From the Desk • 27 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Personal Growth Self-awareness Life lessons Mental well-being
  1. Personal growth isn't automatic. It takes intentionality and self-awareness to move forward and feel fulfilled in life.
  2. There are four types of people when it comes to growth: Drifters, Dreamers, Tourists, and Growers. Each type reflects a different relationship with intentions and self-awareness.
  3. True joy and growth come from reflection and understanding ourselves better, rather than just chasing success or comfort.

Abstraction in the function concept

Infinitely More • 25 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Mathematics Concepts Logic Theory Abstraction
  1. The function concept in mathematics has evolved a lot, allowing for more abstract definitions. This means mathematicians can explore complex ideas that go beyond simple rules and formulas.
  2. Examples like the Devil's staircase and space-filling curves challenge our understanding of functions. These unique functions have properties that seem strange and unexpected compared to our usual ideas of what a function should be.
  3. The Conway function shows how every real number can be linked to another number in a complex way. It helps to illustrate that functions don't always need a clear formula and can still be valid in mathematics.

True Transhumanism Part 2

Extropic Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Transhumanism Perfection Criticism Technology Progress
  1. In transhumanism, the focus is on continual improvement, not on reaching perfection or paradise.
  2. The concept of perfection as a static state goes against the principles of transhumanism, which emphasizes perpetual progress.
  3. Critics often misinterpret transhumanism as seeking a utopia or ideal state, but in reality, transhumanists aim for continuous advancement towards 'extropia'.
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The Waves Will Roll In and Move Out Regardless of What You and I Think of It

The Sunday Wisdom • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Meaning Interpretation Randomness
  1. Metaphors are powerful tools we use to explain complex phenomena by comparing them to more familiar things. Comparisons help bridge our understanding of difficult concepts.
  2. Interpreting art and literature involves uncovering the deeper meanings hidden below the surface. Sometimes, the pursuit of meaning where none exists can lead to misinterpretation.
  3. Randomness was not always accepted as a concept. The shift to valuing randomization, like in randomised controlled trials, required a departure from attributing meanings to random events and a move towards empirical understanding.

Brain Glitch

Polymathic Being • 66 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Cognition Perspective Behavior
  1. Cognitive dissonance is what happens when our brains struggle with holding two conflicting beliefs. It often leads to defensive responses, like changing the topic or attacking someone instead of addressing the issue.
  2. Recognizing cognitive dissonance in ourselves is important. It helps us pause, reflect, and learn when we're feeling defensive or emotional during discussions.
  3. Not all contradictions are bad. Embracing them can lead to a deeper understanding and new perspectives, helping us navigate complex issues more effectively.

Reluctant Elitism

Let's Get Psychophysical ! • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Acceptance Creativity Self-awareness Truth
  1. The author embraces the concept of 'reluctant elitism', focusing on writing for a select few rather than aiming for mass appeal.
  2. The author finds liberation in accepting that their work will not have mass appeal and channels their energy into creative work.
  3. They acknowledge the allure of mainstream success but choose to stay true to their niche audience and ideas.

Curator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Determinism Ethics Political theory Free will Social theory
  1. Mimesis is a powerful force in our lives, meaning we often look to others to decide what to want or do. While it's strong, we still have the freedom to make choices within that influence.
  2. Fukuyama's ideas about the 'end of history' suggest that liberal democracy has won but might overlook the ongoing ideological conflicts that still exist. His views can be criticized for being overly optimistic about the state of the world.
  3. Peer review in science has been criticized for not working well, as it often misses errors and limits innovative ideas. Instead of helping, it may create a closed-off system that stifles true progress.

Things of the Heart

Apposition • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Materialism Digital Age Human experience
  1. Objects hold hidden stories and memories, forming a connection between their history and our own.
  2. In the Digital Age, information dominates over physical objects, impacting how we interact with the world.
  3. Slowing down, forming personal relationships with objects, and engaging in meaningful action are keys to resisting the overwhelming pace of the digital world.

Meditations on Consciousness

Tom Thought • 39 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness AI
  1. Our belief in consciousness is deeply tied to our own experiences, making it hard to determine the consciousness of others or non-human entities.
  2. Determining the consciousness of AI is important as it could impact how we view and treat these entities.
  3. Our tendency to assign moral worth based on anthropic similarity raises questions about how we extend moral consideration to non-human entities.

Morning Birdsong Calls Ryokan Off the Shelf

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Existence Wisdom Connection Inner peace
  1. Enjoy the beauty of nature and reflect on the impact of human activities on the environment, like the pollution of the Great Lakes.
  2. Question the pursuit of traditional success and the sacrifices made for material wealth and security, prompting a reflection on the true meaning of a fulfilling life.
  3. Advocate for simpler, more communal living, where the focus is on sharing, connection, and playing together for a happier existence.

Pancritical Rationalism: An Extropic Metacontext for Memetic Progress

Extropic Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Rationalism
  1. Pancritical rationalism encourages continuous improvement by embracing criticism and rejecting dogmatism.
  2. PCR aligns with Extropian values, promoting dynamic optimism, self-transformation, and intelligent technology.
  3. A metacontext like PCR can help create an environment for rationality to flourish by fostering open-mindedness and critical thinking.

The Great Ideological Anchors

Based Meditations • 39 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Truth Beauty Nature
  1. Change is a constant force shaping our lives, leading to a yearning for stability and constant ideals, which serve as ideological anchors.
  2. The pursuit of truth drives human progress and curiosity, intertwining with beauty and goodness as guiding principles in our lives.
  3. Human creativity, expressed through art, structures, and belief systems, aims to impose order on a changing world, driven by the desire for expression and greatness.

Short Thoughts on "Getting It"

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Reality Ethics Morality Competition Influence
  1. Understanding and aligning with the shared 'it' within a group is crucial for individuals to navigate collective reality.
  2. Diverse interpretations of the same 'it' can lead to significant discord and fractures within groups.
  3. The concept of 'getting it' is dynamic and ever-evolving, requiring individuals to adapt their understanding to avoid becoming outdated.

The Human Need for Frontiers

Ulysses • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Human nature Technology Exploration Struggle
  1. The human spirit thrives on challenges and the unknown, displaying a will to power for growth and overcoming obstacles.
  2. Historically, physical frontiers provided opportunities for exploration and growth, but technology has led to their shrinkage.
  3. While technology closes some physical frontiers, it opens up new frontiers in information, communication, and innovation, providing spaces for struggle and growth.

TRUE STORY

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Truth Reality Perception Existence
  1. Truth is not a one-dimensional concept; it has different levels of validity based on circumstances and perspectives.
  2. Truth can be distorted by stereotypes and outliers, challenging traditional notions and creating new perspectives.
  3. Truth, like a reliable tool, needs to be durable, versatile, and simple to be effective in various situations.

Words, Words, Words

Let's Get Psychophysical ! • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Language Emotions Action Thought Self-awareness
  1. Arguments online often center around words, their definitions, and emotional reactions they provoke, rather than the actual content being discussed.
  2. Our brains are wired to react emotionally to words, and it's important to understand and control these reactions.
  3. To escape the power words hold over us, it's essential to use words purposefully as tools for action, rather than letting them control our thoughts and movements.

Short Thoughts on Limits

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Thoughts Observation
  1. One's understanding of limitations can be influenced by perspective; being stuck in routine or a negative environment can make the world seem small.
  2. Limitations often come from what we observe and imitate; expanding horizons can come from learning and observation.
  3. The concept of 'exit' from limitations is not straightforward; one's range of experience shapes perception, but it is possible to shift boundaries through self-awareness and growth.

Discretion and absolution

The Jolly Contrarian • 39 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Free will Choice Contracts Legal
  1. Discretion is about freedom, choice, individuality, and happiness, but often made to seem complex by lawyers.
  2. Absolute discretion means you either have it or you don't, while reasonable discretion is bound by obligations like acting in good faith.
  3. Having an absolute discretion where a reasonable one would suffice can lead to unnecessary complications and inefficiencies in business relationships.

Priceless: A Kiss and the Ends of Life

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 22
📖 Philosophy Values Humanity Integrity Ethics Meaning
  1. Our values shape our decisions and outlook on life, driving both practical considerations and ultimate goals.
  2. There are different kinds of value - some objects are valued for their usefulness (extrinsic value), while others are treasured for their intrinsic worth.
  3. Understanding the distinction between means and ends is crucial in leading a fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and intentions.

Nietzsche Didn't Say That... But He Would've Agreed

Humanities in Revolt • 139 implied HN points • 28 Apr 22
📖 Philosophy Wisdom Existence Truth Transformation Humanities
  1. Our harsh judgment of others often stems from ignorance and lack of understanding. We should practice intellectual humility and refrain from presuming to know everything about unconventional behavior.
  2. Great ideas stand on their own merit, regardless of the author. The value of an idea lies in its ability to help us understand the world, not just in who said it.
  3. Wisdom and knowledge may lead to being misunderstood by others. Embracing transformation in pursuit of truth requires both humility and courage.

Personal updates

Philosophy bear • 143 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Personal updates
  1. The author is being awarded a PhD thesis without revisions, a significant achievement
  2. The author is seeking part-time work in greater Sydney or remotely for 2-3 years while publishing papers
  3. The author expresses interest in meeting readers in Sydney for a coffee

Short Thoughts on Desire

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Human nature Language Ethics
  1. There is a human compulsion to organize and categorize information to make sense of the world.
  2. Rating everything one encounters is a common habit to communicate feelings in a quantified manner.
  3. The concept of 'love' has evolved over time, from acts of ostenstion to self-oriented positive feelings.

Solving Difficult Problems as a Filter

Bzogramming • 45 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Problem Solving Complexity Constraints Creativity Human nature
  1. Asking good questions is key to solving problems. Starting with simple, unrelated questions helps narrow down possibilities and find better answers.
  2. Simplicity is usually better, but complexity can sneak in. Adding constraints to a problem can reduce options quickly, so it's important to manage them wisely.
  3. Being too picky when looking for solutions or people can backfire. Sometimes it’s better to adapt and make things work with what's available, instead of searching for the perfect fit.

Fragmentation of the self.

Default Wisdom • 236 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Individualism Language Materialism Critical Theory Communication
  1. Fragmentation of self is influenced by historical shifts like the intensification of division of labor starting in the 17th century.
  2. Language, communication, and individualism are interconnected as seen through McLuhan's views on the power of language in shaping individuality.
  3. Material advancements like the printing press and the telegraph have played a significant role in shaping societal fragmentation and the way we perceive the world.

A Measure of Excellence

Jake [Building in NYC] • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Virtue ethics Art Theory Creativity Existentialism Aesthetics
  1. Excellence comes from creating and pursuing what is good and beautiful in life. The more you create, the more you grow in excellence.
  2. Artifacts, or creations like art, writing, and projects, show evidence of our existence and impact on the world. The more artifacts you have, the more impact you likely have.
  3. To become excellent, keep creating and don't be afraid to start. Just like any skill, practice helps you improve and get closer to your goals.